Published: May 11, 2008 10:21 pm            

Female relationships

Do they change through the years?

By Ashley Goodwin — One of the biggest competitions between girls is each other.

Does female friendship change between high school and college? I interviewed four girls, Sheena See, a senior at Fairmont State; Hillary Barlow, a sophomore at Fairmont State; Athina Billiris, a junior at Fairmont State; and Amanda Cowger, a senior at Fairmont State.

“I think some friendships change from high school to college. Everyone goes their different ways, and you don’t see the same people five days a week because college is a lot different than high school,” Amanda said.

Is it hard to meet new girl friends? Sheena answered, “It really depends on the girl. Some girls are so friendly and easy to talk to, while others seem stuck up.”

Hillary answered, “I, personally, have trouble making new friends because I’m not much of an outward person. I have to warm up to people. I know a lot of people though who can just start a conversation and make new friends in a snap.”

Is there a difference between co-workers as friends and friends since high school? Sheena said, “Yes! You have closer bond with high school friends, and it is easier to understand conversations when you both know the people you are talking about. I find myself discussing more of the past or people we knew. However, when you make friends with co-workers, it seems to be more adult relationship, and you talk about things are more current.”

Athina said, “Friends are friends whether you happen to meet them at work or in high school. However, if they are only your friend at work and not outside of work, then they are just convenient friendships.”

Amanda stated, “No, I have made some really great friends through work yet. I haven’t known them as long. I still talk to them about everything.”

Do you think girls compete against each other? Sheena replied, “Most definitely! I think that most girls are always trying to be the prettiest or smartest or thinnest. However, when you are close friends, those things don’t seem to matter.”

Athina replied, “Yes. I think that as girls mature, they become less competitive and grow more appreciative of themselves because self-esteem usually increases as you get older. But I’m sure we all secretly just want to be the best in all aspects.”

“Girls compete all the time! It’s like a consistent battle especially if you don’t know them,” Amanda said.

Hillary believes, “Girls are very competitive. My friends and I fight about all kinds of crazy things, from grades at school to which holidays we get off at work. It’s a very ‘knock them down world’ in girl’s eyes.”

Is it possible to keep a strong relationship after college graduation? Hillary states, “I’m not at that stage yet, but right now I think yes. In college I’ve grown close to my friends.”

Amanda states, “Probably not. When you get older, most people get married, and it seems your new best friend is your husband or wife. But I do think it changes. I feel when you graduate college and get a job, then its harder to keep a friendship.”

Athina believes, “Definitely! I find it hard to believe that after graduating college, everyone drops the ones they had in college and makes all new friends. Your lifestyle will always be changing. Some friends are there to stay, and some are going to go a different path.”

        

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